Monday, September 05, 2005

Bairbre de Brún to Challenge Jim Allister at the EP

A press release from SF reports that: "Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will this evening address the European Parliament on the continuing campaign of loyalist violence across the 6 counties. Ms de Brún said she would use the forum to challenge 'DUP ambivalence to the sectarian campaign waged against vulnerable nationalist communities.'" Watch the debate on live here. More here

"Ms de Brún is due to deliver a speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this evening, highlighting the ongoing campaign of intimidation against nationalists in the North of Ireland and the potential for the peace process in the coming months.

Speaking prior to delivering her speech Ms de Brún said:

"Throughout the summer months there has been a sectarian onslaught against vulnerable catholic and nationalist homes. Bricks, gunfire, petrol bomb and pipe bomb attacks on catholic homes, schools and churches have been an ever-present reality for many isolated nationalist communities. Residents feel vulnerable and powerless in the face of Unionist paramilitary intimidation. They feel angry at the incompetence and inaction of the PSNI, and the relative silence and inaction of unionist political representatives.

"In light of Ian Paisley's comments yesterday, I am challenging my fellow MEP Jim Allister to translate these words into action and to stand shoulder to shoulder with his constituents in North Antrim, Dunmurry, Ardoyne and the Short Strand. I am prepared to meet with Mr Allister to discuss a cross community response to these attacks. It is time for the DUP to stop burying their heads in the sand.""